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On Friday, the Attorney General appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into political adversaries of the President and their links with the late financier. This move came hours after the president ordered her to launch the probe.

In a statement, the Attorney General praised Jay Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. She added, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action appears to contradict a recent memorandum from justice department officials which indicated that the Epstein files did not warrant further inquiries. According to the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

Trump Demands Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with growing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to oppose the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are expected to back the release.

Recently released emails from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.

That same day, Trump announced he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.

Additional Updates from the Day

• The President stated he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after a formal apology from the network. Trump claimed the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Text messages released detail Epstein’s role in coaching the influencer.
• American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• State officials have revived the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed tariff policy by reducing duties on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from a significant decrease.

Other notable events featured appeals to protect national parks, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.